i

AUTOMATIC WIPE AND SMART CONTROL WIPER USING SENSOR AND

CONTROLLER SYSTEM

NOR ASYIKIN BT. ABD HAMID

This report is submitted in partial fulfillment of requirement for the award of Bachelor
of Electronic Engineering (Computer Engineering) With Honours

Faculty of Electronic & Computer Engineering

Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

APRIL 2009

ii

I hereby declare that this thesis is the result of my own work except for quotes as cited
in the references

Signature

: ...........

Name

: NOR ASYIKIN BT. ABD HAMID

Date

iii

I hereby declare that I have read this thesis and in my opinion this thesis is sufficient in
terms of scope and quality for the award of Bachelor of Electronic Engineering
(Computer Engineering) With Honours.

Signature

Supervisors Name

: EN NIK MOHD ZARIFIE BIN HASHIM

Date

iv

To my beloved mother, father and friends, thank you for the support and encouragement

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First at all, Alhamdulillah and praise to Allah, I manage to complete my Final

Year Project. I also would like to offer thanks and deepest gratitude from the bottom
of my heart for all the support, encouragement and inspirations I obtained through
out the duration of this project. The help rendered to me priceless, be it from the
smallest of its kind to the largest.
I would like to thank to my supervising lecturer, Mr Nik Mohd Zarifie Bin
Hashim helping and always guiding me throughout the development of the research.
Also not to forget the Faculty of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Universiti
Teknikal Malaysia Melaka management for allowing me to be a part of the network
and thus giving me a chance to gain useful knowledge and experiences.
In addition, I am especially indebted to Mr Zamri Bin Ahmad and my
parents, for their love, encouragement and support me throughout the development of
this research. My family, who inspired me whether through the storm and carry on,
Wassalam.

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ABSTRACT

This project aims to build the automatically wiper system by using

programmable software. This system functions through the combination of the
hardware and software. This system is called automatic wipe and smart control wiper
using sensor and controller system. The advantage of this project was help users to
use the wiper automatically when the sensor detects raindrops. Driver doesnt need to
turn on or turn off the control stalk at the wiper. This system will function
automatically when the raindrops. Sensor use to senses the raindrop or moisture
when it hitting on sensor. Otherwise, this system function to push up and pull down
the wiper when the engine was starting or engine stops. This system prevents the
wipers rubber from damage during hot weather. The main objectives of this project
are to upgrade the older cars system and to prevent the wipers rubber from damage.
The material as a stand used to pull down the wiper when the engine is started. When
the engine is stops, the wipers automatically push up using the motor placed at the
wiper blade. The mechanical function is used to control the motor system. By using
this system, user doesnt control the wiper system manually and this system
functions using controller system.

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ABSTRAK

Projek ini bertujuan untuk membina satu sistem pengelap secara automatik
dengan menggunakan perisian yang boleh diprogram. Sistem ini menggabungkan
perisian dan perkakasan untuk membolehkannya berfungsi. Ia dikenali sebagai
sistem pengelap automatik dan pengawal cekap menggunakan penderia dan sistem
pengawal. Kebaikan sistem ini ialah dapat membantu pengguna menggunakan
pengelap secara automatic apabila penderia mengesan air hujan. Pemandu tidak perlu
membuka dan menutup suis pada pengelap. Sistem ini akan berfungsi secara
automatik apabila berlakunya hujan. Penderia digunakan untuk mengesan air atau
sebarang kelembapan yang terkena ke atasnya. Selain itu, sistem ini berfungsi untuk
mengangkat dan menurunkan pengelap semasa enjin dihidup atau dimatikan. Ini bagi
mengelakkan getah yang terletak pada pengelap rosak apabila terkena panas.
Objektif utama projek ini ialah untuk memperbaharui sistem yang sedia ada di dalam
kereta lama dan juga mengelakkan kerosakan pada getah wiper. Alat seperti tongkat
digunakan untuk mengangkat pengelap apabila enjin dimatikan. Apabila enjin
dihidupkan, tongkat tersebut akan ditarik ke bawah menggunakan motor yang
diletakkan pada tongkat tersebut. Fungsi mekanikal digunakan bagi membolehkan
system ini berfungsi. Dengan menggunakan system ini, pengguna tidak perlu
menggunakan kawalan manual dan ia dikawal menggunakan sistem pengawal.

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LIST OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

CONTENTS

PAGES

PROJECT TITLE

STATUS DECLARATION FORM

ii

SUPERVISOR DECLARATION FORM

iii

DEDICATION

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

vi

ABSTRAK

vii

LIST OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLE
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS,

viii - xi
xii
xiii - xv
xvi

SPECIALIZED NOMENCLATURE

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Project Introduction

1.2

Problem Statements

1.3

Objectives

1.4

Scope of study

1.5

Methodology

1.6

Thesis Outline

ix

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

2.2

History of Wiper

2.2.1

Wiper Function

2.2.2

Wiper Design

2.3

2.4

2.2.2.1

Rubber Blade

10

2.2.2.2

Wiper Motor

10

Programmable Interface Controller (PIC)

11

2.3.1

11

History of PIC

Recently/ Past Study

12

2.4.1

Rain Sensor Wiper System

12

2.4.2

Rain Tracker Windshield Wiper

13

METHODOLOGY

3.1

Introduction

15

3.2

Project Planning

15

3.3

Process Flow Chart

16

3.3.1

Define Problem

18

3.3.2

Type of Search

18

3.3.2.1

External Search

18

3.3.2.2

Internal Search

18

3.3.3

Conceptual Design

19

3.3.4

Detailed Design

19

3.3.5

Specify Component, Function, Condition

19

and Manufacturing Process

3.4

Specify Material

20

3.4.1

Material for Sensor

20

3.4.2

Material for Motor

22

3.4.3

Material for Motor Driver

23

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3.4.4
3.5

3.6

Actuator

24

Software Development

25

3.5.1

Controller System

25

3.5.2

PIC16F877A

25

3.5.3

Proteus

26

3.5.4

CCS Compiler

27

3.5.5

Protel 99 SE

28

Conclusion

29

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

4.1

Introduction

30

4.2

Design Development

31

4.2.1

First Conceptual Design

31

4.2.2

Second Conceptual Design

32

4.2.3

Third Conceptual Design

33

4.3

Design Development

35

4.4

Software Development

35

4.4.1

35

4.5

4.6

4.7

ISIS 7 Professional

Software Implementation

38

4.5.1

Start-up with PICC Compiler

38

4.5.2

Start-up with PICKit2

41

4.5.3

Coding Writing

47

Circuit Development

47

4.6.1

Develop Using Protel SE

48

4.6.2

Circuit Printing

49

4.6.3

Exposure

50

4.6.4

Developing

50

4.6.5

Etch the PCB

51

4.6.5

Drilling and Soldering

51

Conclusion

52

xi

RESULT AND ANALYSIS

5.1

Introduction

53

5.2

Hardware Testing

53

5.2.1

55

Voltage Triggered by I/O Devices

5.3

Constructed the Circuit

58

5.4

Conclusion

61

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

6.1

Introduction

62

6.2

Conclusion

62

6.3

Discussion

63

xii

LIST OF TABLE

NO

4.1

TITLE

The Screening Matrix for the Conceptual Design of

Automatic Wiper

PAGE

34

xiii

LIST OF FIGURES

NO

TITLE

PAGE

2.1

Basic Wiper Mechanism Diagram

2.2

Wiper Motor

10

2.3

Rain Sensor Wiper Systems

12

2.4

A simplified diagram of the Rain Tracker (NHTSA)

13

2.5

Diagram of the Tracker Sensor

13

3.1

Process Flowchart

17

3.2

Block diagram System

20

3.3

Sensor Plate

21

3.4

Sensor Flowchart

21

3.5

Examples of DC Motor

22

3.6

DC Motor Diagram

22

3.7

Free Body Diagram

22

3.8

The Rotation of the DC Motor

23

3.9

Motor System Flowcharts

24

3.10

(a)Model of Door Lock Actuator

3.11

16F877A Pin Diagram

26

3.12

ISIS Professional Interfaces

27

3.13

CCS Compiler Interfaces

28

3.14

Examples of PCB Design

29

4.1

First Prototype Design

31

4.2

Wiper Stand

32

4.3

Second Conceptual Designs

32

(b) Inside Actuator

25

xiv
4.4

Third Conceptual Designs

33

4.5

Centre Lock Door with Metal Hook

33

4.6

Voltage Regulators and Controller Circuit

36

4.7

Water Sensor Circuit

36

4.8

ERC Check Windows

37

4.9

The PCB Design for PIC16F877A Circuit with the Voltage

38

Regulator
4.10

The PCB design for Water Sensor Circuit

38

4.11

Main Page of PICC Compiler

39

4.12

Open the New Sheet

40

4.13

Coding File

40

4.14

Source Code

41

4.15

Compile Box

41

4.16

Base of PIC

42

4.17

USB Cable

42

4.18

PIC Programmer

42

4.19

Connections during Programming

43

4.20

USB Detected

43

4.21

PIC was Identified

44

4.22

Erase in Progress

45

4.23

Programming Complete Erase

45

4.24

Import the New Coding

46

4.25

The Coding Succesfully Imported

46

4.26

Verification Successful

47

4.27

Top Layer Layout 3D PCB

48

4.28

Bottom Layer Layout 3D PCB

49

4.29

Full Design Schematic PIC and Motor Driver

49

4.30

Print Layout

50

4.31

Exposed Machines

50

4.32

Circuits after Etching Process

51

5.1

Lead-Acid Battery

54

5.2

9V Rechargeable Battery

54

5.3

Voltage Supply to The Board

55

xv
5.4

Voltage That Needs by PIC Board

55

5.5

0V Triggered To The PIC Board

55

5.6

3.05V Triggered to the PIC Board

56

5.7

5.6V Output Voltages from Motor Circuit

56

5.8

-0.01V Output Voltages from Motor Circuit

57

5.9

PIC16F877a with DC Motor

57

5.10

Testing the Water Sensor Circuit

58

5.11

Top Design of Water Sensor Circuit

58

5.12

Bottom Design of Water Sensor Circuit

59

5.13

Water Sensor Circuit applied in Wiper Model

59

5.14

Back Door Car Model

60

xvi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS, SPECIALIZED NOMENCLATURE

PIC

Programmable Interface Controller

DC

Direct Current

3D

Three Dimensional

PCB

Printed Circuit Board

CHAP

Chapter

PWM

Pulse Width Modulation

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

EEPROM

Electrical Erasable Programmable Read

RISC

Reduced Instruction Set Computer

I/O

Input / Output

CPU

Central Processing Unit

ROM

Read Only Memory

UART

Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Project Introduction
Automatic Wipe and Smart Control Wiper Using Sensor and Controller

System is a system used to renew the old system from manual to automatic. When it
rains, the wiper will wipe automatically and the smart control wiper is to push up the
wiper when the engine is shut off and pull down the wiper when the engine is
starting. This system is fully controlled using microcontroller system.

A windscreen wiper is a device used to wipe rain and dirt from the
windscreen. The early wipers invented are operated manually by moving a lever
inside the car back and forth. The wipers faithfully keep the window clear, moving
back and forth across the windscreen countless time as they sweep the water away.

This project is to renew the system from manual to automatic. The main
function of Automatic wipe and smart control wiper uses sensor and controller
system wipes and sweeps the water from the windscreen. The main idea is to
construct an automatic wiper using a sensor as a component which is used to sense
the raindrops. But the system has been upgraded by considering the existing new
problem. Therefore, the second idea is to automatically push up the wiper when the
engine stops. This prevents the wipers rubber from damage during hot weather. This
function is similar to the automatic door lock function used in cars. The wiper

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automatically pulls down when the engine is started. To operate this system, the
actuator is used as a device that can move the wiper from windscreen.

This system is suitable for all vehicles. It is because the system has a simple
function and do not use a lot of circuits and requires less cost. The wiper will
automatically switch on when the sensor sensed water or raindrops. The wiper is
turned on until the sensor does not sense any water or raindrops. The equipment as
an actuator used to push up the wiper from windscreen when the engine is stopped.
This project is to design and develop a system which will help users to use the wiper
automatically when the sensor detects raindrops. Users do not need to face
difficulties in controlling the wiper when it is raining heavily.

During the day, especially on hot weather, normally users will push up the
wiper to prevent the wipers rubber from damage or melting on the windscreen. This
system uses the actuator as a component which helps the wiper to push up. It
functions to move the wiper from windscreen directly using the metal hook. This
actuator can move the metal hook to the left or right. When mounted in the car, it is
vertical, so the metal hook can move up or down. The metal hook device attached at
the actuator directly. When the engine is started, the sensor circuit was functioning,
and the metal hook will drop down.

The system will be controlled by a controller. The controller will be

programmed to execute the function of this system. By using PIC microcontroller,
the controller can be programmed using C language or assembly language. This
project combines three circuits with a main control system.

1.2

Problem Statement

Wiper is a component that used to wipe the raindrops or any water from the
windscreen. The previous system used manually to activate the wiper and the process
of pulling up the wiper is difficult to handle. The driver needs to switch on and off
the control stalk and it will reduce the drivers concentration towards driving. Thus,
this system is proposed to solve these problems. The concept of this proposed wiper

3
system is just the same with other conventional wiper, in spite of removing water
from windscreen, this system also will be upgraded to an automatic control system
by using a controller.

When the water hit sensor, it will send signal to the system thus moving the
wiper motor. Once sensor did not detect any water, the wiper will stop. This will
reduce the weaknesses which have been stated at beginning. Additional plan to this
invention is to make the wiper automatically push up from the windscreen when the
engine shut off.

1.3

Objectives

To make sure that this project meets the goals and requirement, the objectives
of this project are defines below according to the points:

i.

To upgrade the older cars system by providing automatic wiping system.

ii.

To prevent the wipers rubber from damage and contribute lifetime

increases.

1.4

iii.

To improve the system by using sensor and actuator.

iv.

To design a basic program that will fully operate with the system.

Scope of study

The scope of project that has been used to complete this project is explained
as below:

i.

Study how to combine the circuit for sensor, controller and motor.

ii.

Design criteria will focus on application, economical aspect and flexibility.

iii.

The system functions at two speed modes. When the sensor detect water, the
system automatically functions and its will stop if the sensor does not senses
water.

iv.

The wiper automatically pulls up when the engine is shut off. The wiper will
return to its initial position when the engine is started.

1.5

i.

Methodology

Project planning is the most important phase which is to develop the

Automatic Control Wiper. In this phase, it is started with the title definition to
know what is the main element should be carried out.

ii.

Problem identification and clarification is the next step followed by the

literature review to find the relevant and related information regarding the car
wiper in term of type, function and mechanism. From the information that
been collected from past and current research, the development phase proceed
by designing the conceptual design.

iii.

The design will focus on the mechanism to use for this project where to
achieve the automatic function.

iv.

Pugh concept selection used for screening and scoring the conceptual design
to identify the advantages and disadvantages so the refinement can be made.
The selected conceptual design from the Pugh selection concept then will be
the main design of the Automatic Control Wiper and the detail design can be
proceed.

v.

Modification is necessary if there is any problem or element that needs

refinement. In order to develop a prototype, the component selection needed
to decide on suitable parts or tools as different types of component have
different function. Then, the replication phase will continue start form the

5
manufacturing process that involves and assembly. Analysis will perform
after the automatic wiper system produced.

vi.

Design evaluation is an important activity because it needs to evaluate the

appropriateness of design on its functions that provides the features intended.
The wiper more simple circuit and simple hardware to reduce the cost.

vii.

The component will be use is important things to choose depend on the

circuit. There are many things need consideration when selecting the type of
component. Lifetime, economical, power, voltage and weight are some of
criteria need to be study. Otherwise, all the circuit can combine with the main
controller.

1.6

Thesis Outline

Thesis outline is the overall outline of report which is include summary each
of the chapter in this report. This thesis focuses on the development and
implementation of the Automatic Wiper for the vehicle application.

Chapter two of this thesis outlines the literature review about explanation of
product overview from early it was produced until now. Then, also explained the
perspective and method are used at last inquiry and surveys the products already
exist to link with my project. Otherwise, the theory and concept that used is existing
product used to solve the problem in this project.

Chapter three introduces the methodology. From this part are explained what
the activity of research is, how to proceed, how to measure progress, and what
constitutes success. The factors that contribute in order to get the method and
information been considered. The overall method that used also explained clearly
and the general structure of the wiper control system is then examined.

6
Chapter four introduces the prototype design and the plan for installing the
Automatic wiper in the controller system. In this chapter, the detail hardware
construction of Automatic wiper within the controller system prototype, along with
their software to successfully control was explained. First design was developed
using Protel SE software to select the best through Pugh Concept Selection Matrix.
The second method uses Proteus software. All the method was explained.

Chapter five presents the experimental results of tests confirming the correct
operation of the Automatic wiper control system. The result during tests from the
entire parts was presented.

Finally, chapter six discuss possible development to the Automatic wiper

control system to further enhance its functionality followed by the thesis conclusion
signifying successful operation of the Automatic wiper design.

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

Introduction

This chapter will discuss precisely about the project which includes the part
which need to consider, overview of the major component involved and overview of
the project.

2.2

History of Wiper

The first wipers were inside, hand operated crank connected to an outside arm
holding a rubber wiper blade and operated manually by moving a lever inside the car
back and forth. Later, for the convenience of the passenger, a blade and arms was
installed on the passengers side of the windscreen and connected to the arm on the
drivers side by linkage and operated in tandem with the drivers wiper. [6]

This was unsatisfactory and was replaced by the vacuum wiper motor that
operated the wiper arms using the vacuum. This system not inability caused when the
engine vacuum lowered, the wipers would stop and cause visibility problems.